Description
A comforting, restaurant-quality weeknight meal that unites tender shell pasta with a rich, savory beef sauce. This one-skillet dish is elevated by a decadent combination of tomato sauce, beef stock, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, it is designed for busy professionals and families desiring a hearty, reliable homemade dinner with minimal cleanup time.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
15 oz tomato sauce
2 cups beef stock
12 oz shell pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until cooked through.
Add onion and garlic to the beef, sautéing until softened and aromatic.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the shell pasta, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat, adjust seasoning if necessary, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of beef stock to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American